Església de Santa Maria


At the heart of Vilafranca's old town, this much-restored creation is one of Catalonia's earliest Gothic churches, begun in 1285. The exterior has mythic touches like fantastical animals and gargoyles peering from its stonework; a few Romanesque details, including arches and an original door, remain. During the civil war it was used as a mechanics' workshop.

Ask at the tourist office about arranging visits to the top of the bell tower (summer only).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Vinseum

0.03 MILES

School yourself on the history and cultural significance of wine in Penedès at this 17,000-item museum, housed in the medieval Palau Reial.

2. Torres

1.63 MILES

Just 3km northwest of Vilafranca on the BP2121, this is the area’s premier winemaker, with a family winemaking tradition dating from the 17th century and…

3. Giró Ribot

3.05 MILES

Housed in beautiful farm buildings oozing centuries of tradition, this winery uses mostly local grape varieties to produce a limited range of fine cavas…

4. Jean León

6.02 MILES

Since 1963, this winery has been using cabernet sauvignon and other French varietals to create high-quality wines. Ninety-minute visits (in Catalan,…

5. Freixenet

7.13 MILES

The biggest cava-producing company, easily accessible right next to Sant Sadurní's train station. Book ahead for 1½-hour multilingual tours of its 1920s…

6. Espai Xocolata Simón Coll

7.17 MILES

Chocolate lovers shouldn't miss a visit to this family-run, bean-to-bar fabricant de xocolata (chocolate maker), which has been going strong since 1840. A…

7. Codorníu

7.85 MILES

There is no more glorious spot to sip cava than the vaulted interior of Codorníu's palatial Modernista headquarters, designed by Catalan architect Josep…

8. Platja de l'Estanyol

9.58 MILES

Dotted with xiringuitos (beach bars) and sunbeds for renting, this sandy beach sits 500m southwest of central Sitges along the Passeig Maritim.